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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOSEPH CRAWFORD is a popular and enterprising young business man, a member of the firm of Murphy, Crawford & Co., dealers in dry goods, of Pinckneyville. He is one of the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Murphysboro, March 6, 1864. His father, Hugh Crawford, was born in the Buckeye State, and in an early day emigrated to Illinois, settling in Murphysboro, where he became a prominent and leading citizen. The family is well known in this community, and its representatives have done much for the upbuilding and advancement of this locality.

In his native city our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, being reared in his parents’ home. His education was acquired in the public schools, where he pursued his studies until sixteen years of age. He then started out in life for himself, securing a position with the Mobile & Ohio Railroad as train dispatcher. He continued with that company as a faithful and trusted employe for a period of four years and then resigned his position, coming to Pinckneyville, where he has since made his home.

Mr. Crawford came to this city in order to engage in merchandising, becoming a member of the present well known firm of Murphy, Crawford & Co. This house is doing a good business and has a large trade, which is constantly increasing, owing to the straightforward and honorable dealings of the proprietors and their courteous treatment of patrons. Mr. Crawford’s partner is Hon. William K. Murphy, whose only daughter, Sadie V., became the wife of our subject in 1889. One child graces the union of the young couple, a son, who was named William K. in honor of his grandfather.

In his political views Mr. Crawford is a Democrat, but takes no active part in politics, as he prefers to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. They are highly esteemed citizens of this community, who hold an enviable position in social circles, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of their lives.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

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